r/homedefense • u/Queasy_Simple4637 • 6d ago
Upgraded Side Gate
We had a very old, laughably insecure side gate. Finally got around to replacing it as this was our biggest and most glaring security issue. Sharing this in case this helps anyone else.
This gate leads directly to our backyard with single story access to the bedrooms and two large glass sliders. I live in a nice area but in a large city where the common MO is to access the backyard and through the sliders or windows. Probably a little overkill but we got a great price.
We went with a 74 inch tall, solid 14g steel gate. The hinges are exposed because we needed it to open outward, but they’re welded barrel hinges with an integrated hinge bolt and virtually impossible to bypass. There’s a double plated lock box with a Schlage B62 double cylinder keyed deadbolt with 1 inch throw and a mechanical keypad. The posts are bolted into the concrete on the latch side and into the block wall and footer on the hinge side.
I’ve coupled this with a POE camera from behind the gate + integrated flood light and two additional motion floods in front, plus a wireless driveway alarm that alerts inside the house with any motion.
Is it impervious? No, nothing is, but it doesn’t need to be. Just needs to be more hardened than my neighbors.
Stay frosty
24
u/Dependent_Ad5073 6d ago
Need barb wire or something similar across top of door and walls
47
u/Queasy_Simple4637 6d ago
Was planning on claymores
4
4
u/NicholasBoccio 5d ago
You know that there are paintball & airsoft claymores, right? Here in the US, anything other than a sprinkler firing automatically is illegal.
12
5
u/creditspread 6d ago
Why not have the camera in front of the gate as both a deterrent and as an earlier warning system? Otherwise nice gate upgrade!
6
u/Queasy_Simple4637 5d ago
The camera behind the gate prevents tampering. It alerts to any person detected over the gate and all the way to the street. No benefit to moving it forward, it does its job perfectly where it is without the risk of tampering.
3
u/NicholasBoccio 5d ago
I like how you think. This is my setup. Would love if you would share more of yours if you went over the top as much as you did with the door. Cheers!
https://imgur.com/a/home-security-aXChCRd1
u/Queasy_Simple4637 5d ago
For sure. PM me
2
1
u/RJM_50 4d ago
This was my camera set-up ~4 years ago: https://youtu.be/urjBgVjDpqg
I need to record a current video, I now have 12 security cameras around the property, new improved models with zero blind spots, and licence plate recognition capabilities.
7
u/IlliniWarrior1 5d ago edited 5d ago
"Is it impervious? No, nothing is, but it doesn’t need to be. Just needs to be more hardened than my neighbors."
ABSOLUTELY !!!! - if the POS can walk into your neighbor's backyard - they'll go there over yours everytime ....
remember >> you're usually dealing with the aimless - lazy - shiftless - no ambition - take the eazy road - POS of the world types
**** - ??? for you >>> is the inside of the door locked or just a knob to open the door? - just in case a bunch of miscreants gang together - they'll boost a single guy over the wall to open the door for the rest - stymie their action by locking them out ......
4
u/Queasy_Simple4637 5d ago
Deadbolt is a double cylinder ANSI grade 1. Double keyed on both sides. Even if you hop the gate, you need a key from the other side to unlock the deadbolt and open the gate. And then you still need the code to unlock the handle.
3
u/NicholasBoccio 5d ago
This is great! Thanks for sharing. Can you say what country and approx price for the door & install?
2
u/Queasy_Simple4637 5d ago
Phoenix, AZ. $1,600 for the door installed. I supplied deadbolt and handle.
2
u/RJM_50 4d ago
Looks nice, but what was the cost for this security gate? I only ask because everyone has the risk of an individual looking for an unlocked door or window in the back of the house, without any lights that make them more visible and cameras that will record their every movement.
I too had the lights and security cameras, reinforced doors, Smart locks, Charlie Bar across the sliders, slide lock on the garage door, battery backups for the security cameras & internet connection that cannot be cut, etc. But instead of a large steel gate, I had my windows and glass sliders replaced with 1/4in laminated security glass to prevent anyone from attempting a Smash & Grab burglary successfully. The cost was only an additional ~$50 upcharge for each window, with the benefit of reduced outdoor noise.
2
u/Queasy_Simple4637 3d ago
Noted above but it was $1,600 with install, not including the locks. How much was the total for you to replace with laminated? I was planning on a security film
16
u/Confident-Variety124 6d ago
Very solid and looks great!